Also, this is critical, make a plan. Have a contact OUTSIDE the area that all your family can call in case of an emergency. As crazy as it sounds sometimes you can call, or most likely text, to an outside area phone, but can't get across the street. So having a contact outside can help.

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This should also include a family reunification plan in case you get separated.

And one more thing. You have a smart phone? You have an IOS device? Please, make your way to the App Store for either and download the ready San Diego App. It will provide you, assuming the web is up, or the cell phone towers, with the information you need directly from emergency services. It is an RSS feed on the go. It also has these preparation lists on it, so you can go ahead and check them as you go. I also included the most essential parts of that preparedness list.

Some things that you would find useful, but not necessarily critical, a good camping tent. and good tools like an entrenching tool, and paracord. They are not in most lists for a reason. Another, especially if you live in the back country, like many of our readers do, generators and fuel to go with them.

Oh and it goes without saying, you got pets. have a crate for them, and be ready to move them. Have food and water for them. You got larger animals, have a plan and check where the large animal shelters will be.

You have children? Trust me, some board games will be a lifesaver.

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You don't, add a good book to your list of things to have in your bug out kit, a paper book, and a deck of cards. It will keep you entertained. Oh and remember, check on your neighbors after the incident. Believe it or not, during the Black out I loaned out radios to my neighbors. Yes, you read right, we have a few transistor radios.

One last thing, if we do have a major disaster, have patience. Response can seem to be slow to you, but remember, this is a large county. It will take time. This is one reason you are told, be ready to be on your own for seventy two hours.

Oh and this is in no manual, but mother taught me this trick and I have found it invaluable over the decades. Always fuel up when you reach half a tank. That way you will have fuel in your vehicle.

Writer, blogger, journalist, based in San Diego. Started doing this with Occupy and has grown from there.
As a trained historian I was struck by Occupy, which will be considered an important moment in US History, at leaset in my opinion.